Caffeine is probably that quick fix a lot of people turn to when they need to boost their level of energy or go through the day. Caffeine consumption has been on the increase lately, as studies show that women in their 30s consume about 165 milligrams daily and by age 50, they consume as much as 225 milligrams. Although caffeine has been shown to benefit the body by reducing the risk of stroke, diabetes and several types of cancer, it also has its side effects. It can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attacks, cause incontinence and insomnia and may also lead to early death.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to scrap coffee consumption completely, because you will still need the antioxidants that benefit the body. You can rather cut down on how much you take in daily and have other options to boost your energy. Here are 3 caffeine-free ways to boost your energy.
1. Find your whole-grain sweet spot
Whole grains give real energy, as they are packed with nutrients, protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants and trace minerals that are iron, zinc, copper and magnesium. Studies have also found that those who replace refined carbs with whole grains each day reported an increase in energy. So, rather than the everyday carbs that may even increase your blood sugar level, whole grain might just be the best option to settle for. It is also known to reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and some forms of cancer.
2. Learn something new
Sometimes, all you need might just be to learn something new, especially on days when you feel really tired and dizzy but still have a lot of things to do. You probably already have a daily routine, like checking emails, attending meetings, picking up calls or following a regular to-do-list. How about chipping something new into the system. According to John Caldwell, PhD, a fatigue management specialist and former NASA researcher, “The more actively you can engage your brain, the more alerting an activity is going to be. You can actually overcome a good bit of sleep pressure just by engaging in something interesting”. There are so many things you can do, like listening to a new song or reading an article on an interesting topic related to your work.
3. Pop a piece of gum
Chewing a piece of gum may help to refresh your breath, but it has much more benefits than just that. A UK study in 2012 found that, those who chewed gum for 15 minutes were more alert compared to those who didn’t. Gum helps to improve wakefulness and also combat stress and anxiety. Other benefits are that, it helps to improve eating habits, protect teeth, reduces acid reflux and heartburn and also improve concentration and memory.
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